Joe was a lovely little still frame animation (probably a technical term
for this but cannot think of it) concerning a little boy, Joe and his family.
According to a book I have it was part of the "Watch with Mother" series. Joe
and was written by Alison Prince and illustrated by Joan Hickson. The TV series
was narrated by Colin Jeavons. It was only on for about 5 minutes or so but was
beautifully drawn and scripted especially for young children. The only thing I
remember about it in terms of when I was a child were that all the characters,
Joe, mum, dad, Gran, Rosie and Mrs. Higgs all had red rosy cheeks. They all
looked as though they needed a good dose of Calpol (anyone with kiddies will
know what I mean). The book is dated copyright 1968 and is based on the BBC TV
series, hence Joe must have come out on television before that date but alas I
do not know when exactly. The copyright for the screen captures is Joan Hickson
and Alison Prince 1970.

Joe

Dad

Mum, Dad and Rosie

Gran

Milkman

Mr. Mud

Mrs. Delarge

More guests

Ms. Quinne

Episode 1

This episode begins with Joe sat in his bed. He is very
excited about something but he can't think why. Then he remembered that his mum
was coming out of hospital today with their new baby. He rushes downstairs to
see his Dad. Gran, Dad and Joe are in the kitchen. Dad needs to go to the
hospital soon to pick up Mum and the new baby but breakfast must be made for
the guests. It is here that we first learn that Joe's family run some form of
guest house and have several guests staying at the moment. Gran takes the helm
and helps out by taking care of breakfast. Dad thus drives the car to the
hospital.

Gran sets the tables for the guests. "How many guests have
cereal for breakfast ?" Granny asks Joe. "Mr. Mudd does, he has lots of
everything" replies Joe. Another guest comes down for breakfast and sits at her
table. While Joe is in the Kitchen other guest come down and want different
things for breakfast. Joe helps Gran by taking the guest's breakfast to them.
He stops on route, however, when he hears a knock at the door. On opening the
door he sees a lot of people standing together. "We'd like several rooms" says
one of the men. "We have been driving all night" he continues. Granny is
overwhelmed by all the people all wanting breakfast and she is rushed off her
feet. Joe helps as best he can but the egg timer has rung and no one can turn
it off. Granny has not noticed as she is busy with the guests. Just then the
milkman pops his round the door and comes in and helps Joe. He is very good
cook and soon he has made all the fired eggs, bacon , beans and sausages. Just
in time it seems as Mum and Dad with the new baby arrive at the door. We learn
that the little baby girl is to be called Rosie. Dad thanks the milkman and
Gran for all their help. He then goes to meet the new guests while Joe looks
forward to having some breakfast.

Credits

Illustrated by

Joan Hickson

Told by

Colin Jeavons

Music by

Laurie Steele

Produced by

Q3 London

And so ends one little tale of a beautifully written and
drawn story concerning the adventures of Joe. Children's TV writers of today
could learn much by speaking to the creators of this wonderful little series.
I'm afraid that's all folks as I do not have any more episodes on tape. If
anyone has any more episode information / memories or was involved in the
creation, filming of Joe etc. then please contact me by clicking email in the
navigation bar below.